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DOE OSTI2022

Illuminating otoliths: New insights for life history of Balistes triggerfishes

Our understanding of fish life-history strategies is informed by key biological processes, such as growth, survival/mortality, recruitment and sexual maturation, used to characterize fish stocks (populations). Characterizing the life-history traits of fish populations requires the application of accurate age estimation for managed species. Grey triggerfish Balistes capriscus and queen triggerfish Balistes vetula are important reef-associated species for commercial and recreational fisheries in the Atlantic Ocean. Both species exhibit a unique reproductive strategy for large-bodied fisheries-targeted reef fishes in that they are nesting benthic spawners and invest substantial energy in defence and care of their benthic nests and fertilized eggs. Until recently, our understanding of the life-history strategies of triggerfishes assumed the main method used to obtain age estimates, increments counted from thin sections of the first dorsal spine, provided an accurate characterization of population age-based parameters. However, results from bomb radiocarbon validation studies on the two Balistes species demonstrated that spines do not provide accurate ages, but sagittal otoliths do. The main goal of the current study was to provide an updated understanding for triggerfish life-history strategies by using otolith-based age estimates to characterize population age structure and growth for grey triggerfish and queen triggerfish from waters of the south-eastern U.S. Atlantic. The current study is the first to report on sex-specific age and growth information for grey triggerfish using the Δ 14 C-validated otolith-based age estimation method and the results indicate that the previous characterization of Balistes species as exhibiting moderately rapid growth and as relatively short-lived, based on spine-derived age estimates, are flawed. Otolith-based ages indicated that grey triggerfish and queen triggerfish are moderately slow-growing and long-lived species, attaining maximum ages of 21 and 40 years, respectively. Management efforts for triggerfishes should evaluate these new insights and incorporate the results of otolith-based age estimation into future population monitoring efforts.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2023

Integrating biomechanics in evolutionary studies, with examples from the amphidromous goby model system

The functional capacities of animals are a primary factor determining survival in nature. In this context, understanding the biomechanical performance of animals can provide insight into diverse aspects of their biology, ranging from ecological distributions across habitat gradients to the evolutionary diversification of lineages. To survive and reproduce in the face of environmental pressures, animals must perform a wide range of tasks, some of which entail tradeoffs between competing demands. Moreover, the demands encountered by animals can change through ontogeny as they grow, sexually mature or migrate across environmental gradients. To understand how mechanisms that underlie functional performance contribute to survival and diversification across challenging and variable habitats, we have pursued diverse studies of the comparative biomechanics of amphidromous goby fishes across functional requirements ranging from prey capture and fast-start swimming to adhesion and waterfall climbing. The pan-tropical distribution of these fishes has provided opportunities for repeated testing of evolutionary hypotheses. By synthesizing data from the lab and field, across approaches spanning high-speed kinematics, selection trials, suction pressure recordings, mechanical property testing, muscle fiber-type measurements and physical modeling of bioinspired designs, we have clarified how multiple axes of variation in biomechanical performance associate with the ecological and evolutionary diversity of these fishes. Here our studies of how these fishes meet both common and extreme functional demands add new, complementary perspectives to frameworks developed from other systems, and illustrate how integrating knowledge of the mechanical underpinnings of diverse aspects of performance can give critical insights into ecological and evolutionary questions.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2021

Transient Copper Exposure During Embryogenesis and Temperature Affect Developmental Rate, Survival, and Fin Regeneration in Japanese Medaka ( Oryzias latipes )

Combined environmental stressors that an organism experiences can have both immediate and lasting consequences. In this paper we exposed medaka (Oryzias latipes) embryos to sublethal copper sulfate (CuSO 4 ) (0, 10, and 100 ppb) in combination with different rearing temperatures (27, 30, and 33°C) to assess acute and latent effects on development, growth, and regenerative capacity. Embryos exposed to CuSO 4 and/or higher temperatures hatched significantly earlier. At 4 months post-exposure, fish exposed to low levels of CuSO 4 during development had higher survival, while fish exposed to both 100 ppb CuSO 4 and 33°C temperatures had significantly lower survival. Additionally, a sex-specific effect of embryonic CuSO 4 exposure was observed as female mass decreased with increasing copper dose. We also assessed caudal fin regenerative capabilities in both embryo-exposed fish at 4 months of age and adult medaka that were exposed to 0, 10, and 100 ppb CuSO 4 at room temperature during a 14- day trial. Whereas fin regeneration was unaffected by adult exposure to copper, fish transiently exposed during embryogenesis displayed an initial increase in fin growth rate and an increased incidence of abnormal fin morphology following regrowth. Collectively, these data suggest that developmental copper exposure has the potential to exert long lasting impacts to organismal growth, survival, and function.

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTAN↗

DOE OSTI2022

Acute Copper Toxicity Displays a Nonmonotonic Relationship with Age Across the Medaka ( Oryzias latipes ) Life Span

The ability of an organism to cope with environmental stressors varies across the life span because of developmental stage–specific responses and age-related functional declines. In the present study, we examined the effect of age on acute copper toxicity in Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes). We first determined the median lethal concentration (LC50) at 96 h for embryos, 7-day-old fry, and 6-month-old medaka. Embryos were exposed to 0, 15, 30, 60, 125, 250, and 500 ppb CuSO 4 through hatching. Fry were exposed to 0, 20, 50, 75, 100, 150, 250, and 500 ppb CuSO 4 for 96 h. Adult fish were exposed to 0, 100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 ppb CuSO 4 for 96 h. The 96-h LC50 was 804 ppb for embryos, 262 ppb for embryonically exposed larvae, 60.3 ppb for 7-day-old fry, and 226 ppb for adults. We then challenged cohorts of fish aged 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, and 16 months with a 225-ppb CuSO 4 exposure to determine the acute toxicity across the life span. The fish exhibited a bimodal tolerance to copper, with tolerance peaking in 2- and 3-month-old fish and again at 10 and 11 months of age. Our data demonstrate that copper sensitivity is dynamic throughout the medaka life span and may be influenced by trade-offs with reproduction. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:2999–3006. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2020

In Search of a Cost-Effective Approach for Estimating Dam Passage Survival

Abstract Passage of downstream-migrating fishes through hydropower dams poses a management issue in rivers throughout the world. As such, regulations have been enacted at many locales to understand and limit fish losses by requiring dam passage survival estimation. However, limiting estimates of survival to the dam and immediate tailrace presents a challenge to researchers. In this study, two alternative release–recapture methods were used to estimate dam passage survival of juvenile salmonids through Lower Granite Dam on the Snake River, Washington, in 2018. One approach, the virtual/paired-release (ViPRe) model, was extensively used in the Columbia–Snake River basin at federally operated hydroelectric dams during 2010–2014. This existing approach uses three releases of tagged smolts to isolate dam passage survival, defined as survival from the upstream dam face to the tailrace mixing zone 1–2 km downstream of the dam. An alternative approach, the virtual release/dead-fish correction (ViRDCt) model, uses one live-release group paired with a release of dead tagged fish at the dam to estimate the same survival parameter. The alternative estimation approaches were tested on two spring out-migrating stocks, yearling Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha and steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss, and on a summer out-migrating stock of subyearling Chinook Salmon. The alternative estimates for these stocks were all within 1 SE. However, the ViRDCt model produced survival estimates with SEs that were 59% smaller than those of the existing ViPRe model and did so using 42% fewer tagged fish and one less downstream acoustic detection array. Because of the reduced sample size, nearly US$540,000 less in tag costs and 4,000 fewer labor-hours were required to implement the ViRDCt model compared to the ViPRe model. As such, the ViRDCt model represents a cost-effective and precise approach to characterizing dam passage survival.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2021

Validation of Scale-Derived Ages in Wild Juvenile and Adult Steelhead Using Parental-Based Tagging

Abstract Accurate age information is a critical component in fisheries monitoring, management, and research. The ability to assign accurate ages to fish by using nonlethal structures is vital in calculating cohort productivity for fish species with low abundances and variable life histories. A common nonlethal method to assign ages is by interpretation of patterns in scales. Validation of ages is not easily obtained for free-ranging fishes; however, the development of genetic “tags” has expanded age validation opportunities. In this study, we used parental-based genetic tagging to validate ages determined from scales collected from juvenile and adult steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss in two streams within the Snake River basin. Juvenile scale ages were in agreement with 93% of the known ages. Adult scale ages were in agreement with 89% of the known ages. Although overall bias in juvenile ages was very low, we saw a slight positive bias in younger fish (young of the year and age 1) and a small negative bias in older juveniles (ages 2–4). A small negative bias in ages of adults was a consequence of errors in freshwater age. The errors observed did not significantly bias age compositions because the 90% confidence intervals about the age proportions based on scales contained the known proportions; therefore, scale analysis is an acceptable method for assigning ages to Snake River steelhead. We discuss the value of validated known-age scales as a reference collection, and as an illustrative use, we constructed a circulus count guide to aid technicians in identifying missing annuli and distinguishing true from false annuli. To demonstrate the use of the circulus guidelines, we reanalyzed samples with age discrepancies, applying the circulus count data and the known age to identify mistakes.

Reinhardt, Leslie↗

DOE OSTI2022

Retracted: Monitoring Hatchery Broodstock Composition and Genetic Variation of Spring/Summer Chinook Salmon in the Columbia River Basin with Multigeneration Pedigrees

Abstract Hatchery production of Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha in the Columbia River basin comprises most of the anadromous salmonid production in this region. Hatchery facilities and programs serve to mitigate for impacts to salmonids due to the construction and operation of hydropower dams and habitat impacts from development in addition to the conservation and restoration of natural populations. A genetic method referred to as parentage-based tagging (PBT) enables highly reliable detection of hatchery-origin fish and inference of multigeneration pedigrees. This study compiles 11 years of PBT data from nearly 125,000 interior stream-type Chinook Salmon from 24 spawning hatcheries located in tributaries of the mid- and upper Columbia River as well as the Salmon, Clearwater, and Grande Ronde River subbasins. Multigenerational pedigrees allowed investigation of the proportion of natural- and hatchery-origin broodstock (pNOB and pHOB, respectively) for each hatchery and enumeration of the scale of production between segregated and integrated programs. We then compared how pHOB and the scale of production influenced the number of stray fish observed, genetic diversity, relatedness, and age-class compositions within broodstocks. Over 91.0% of hatchery broodstock could be assigned back to their parents, and there was an overall rate of less than 1.0% of broodstock that were unintentionally incorporated into nonnatal hatchery programs. We evaluated 14 segregated programs with 0.0–10.0% pNOB, 7 intermediate programs (10.1–50.0% pNOB), and 3 integrated programs (>50.0% pNOB). There was no correlation between the scale of production or pNOB with the level of genetic diversity, but as production size increased, so did the effective number of breeders. This study demonstrates the utility of PBT as a monitoring tool for hatchery broodstocks, and results suggest that segregated and integrated programs have tradeoffs that generally align with their intended broodstock management purpose of providing fish for harvest and/or fish for supplementation or reintroduction.

Horn, Rebekah L.↗

DOE OSTI2023

Efficacy of one-time rotenone application for Westslope Cutthroat Trout restoration in Boulder Creek, Montana

Abstract Objective Although piscicides are an important tool for native fish management, our understanding of native fish population dynamics posttreatment (i.e., in putatively vacant habitat) is limited. Methods Here, we describe long-term trends in size and abundance of Cutthroat Trout Oncorhynchus clarkii in Lower Boulder Lake and Boulder Creek (Montana). Result No significant differences were found before and after treatment with rotenone in mean length and population density in Boulder Creek. Posttreatment genetic samples from Boulder Lake and upper Boulder Creek consisted entirely of the Westslope Cutthroat Trout Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi used to refound the population. Middle and lower Boulder Creek genetic samples contained 99.4% and 98.4% Westslope Cutthroat Trout, indicating that some nonnative (Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri hybrid) fish survived the treatment. Population demographics showed robust recovery posttreatment; however, genetic results revealed the limitations of a one-time treatment—that is, an incomplete fish kill. Conclusion We demonstrate that Cutthroat Trout populations achieve recovery after rotenone treatment in the long term, but one-time rotenone treatments on large drainages often fail to totally eradicate populations. Therefore, managers should plan on multiple treatments and utilize environmental DNA to help achieve total removal of target species.

Lampton, Jared↗

DOE OSTI2024

Development of optimal methods for collection, transportation, holding, handling, and tagging of juvenile American shad

American shad (Alosa sapidissima) are an anadromous fish species native to the United States that have an extensive range along the east coast, but their populations are declining worldwide. Acoustic telemetry can play a vital role in better understanding the behavior and survival of this sensitive species. A stepwise, systematic approach was used to assess juvenile shad survival during multiple stressors typically associated with an acoustic telemetry study. Minimizing out-of-water handling and the use of saltwater during collection increased 24-hour survival (78 to 99%) between the first two shad transports. Several experiments were conducted to determine the best transmitter design method for implanting juvenile shad. Saltwater was fundamental in keeping tagged shad alive overnight and during the tagging process. Shad as small as 50 mm were tagged using the pectoral incision method with no suture. In a 60-d holding evaluation, tagged fish survived at a comparable rate as their non-tagged counterparts (81.5% for tagged, 70% for untagged). Also, when tagged and untagged shad were exposed to a tank of predators, there was no difference in their survival. Results from this study are encouraging for improving conservation efforts for small, sensitive species of fish, like American shad. The techniques identified may help broaden the application of telemetry studies by informing researchers of optimal methods to ensure survival of tagged fish in future field studies looking to evaluate survival and entrainment rates of juvenile American shad.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2022

Differing behavioral changes in crayfish and bluegill under short- and long-chain PFAS exposures: Field study in Northern Michigan, USA

The emergent contaminant family, per- and poly-fluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) has gained research attention due to their widespread detection and stability within the environment. Despite the growing amount of research on perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluoro-n-octanoic acid (PFOA) in aquatic organisms, investigations detailing behavioral and physiological effects of aquatic organisms exposed to a mixture of PFAS analytes in the wild have been limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential behavioral and histological effects of environmental exposure to PFAS compounds within multiple trophic levels of aquatic ecosystems. The current study investigates effects of environmentally relevant PFAS concentration exposures in crayfish (Faxonius immunis, F. rusticus, F. virilis) and bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) sourced from four water bodies in Northern Michigan. Antipredator response and foraging behavioral assays were used to investigate potential effects on crayfish; a swimming speed behavioral assay and liver and gill histology analysis were used to investigate potential effects on fish. Linear mixed model and multiple regression analyses resulted in significant relationships between tissue accumulation levels of long chain PFAS compounds and crayfish foraging and fish critical swimming speed responses. Crayfish foraging decreased and fish critical swim speeds increased with PFAS exposure which may lead to energetic and population concerns. Antipredator response in crayfish and liver and gill histology in fish were not significantly related to PFAS tissue or water concentrations. The sensitivity of crayfish and bluegill behavior contributes to the growing body of research regarding the differential toxicity of short-chain and long-chain PFAS compounds. The sensitivity of some aquatic organism behaviors to PFAS accumulated in tissue may have implications for PFAS transfer and alterations to ecosystem functioning; based on the results of this field study, further laboratory research is recommended to further evaluate these relationships.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2025

Effects of sampling techniques on short-term survival and genotyping success of salmonid fry

ABSTRACT Objective Genetics tools have become an integral part of managing and understanding fish populations. Generally, a small tissue sample, such as a fin clip, is taken and then genotyped, with little effect on survival of the fish. However, tissue sampling may have a larger effect on juvenile fish survival compared to their adult counterparts. We evaluated survival and genotyping success of various genetic sampling techniques for Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha and Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss fry. Methods Three sampling treatments were evaluated including control (anesthetized and handled), fin clipping (partial caudal fin clip), and swabbing (OmniSwab was used to collect external mucus). Survival was monitored for 12 d posttreatment, and genotyping success was evaluated. Results Survival was high in all treatment groups (i.e., 0.93–1.00) but, on average, was lower in the swab treatment group. Genotyping was successful in 100% of the fin clip samples and 11–50% of the swab samples. Conclusions Results of this study suggest that sampling caudal-fin tissue does not negatively affect fry short-term survival and the small tissue samples yield highly successful genotyping results. Swabbing did not produce successful genotyping results, and fish sampled with swabs experienced higher mortality than those that received fin clips. Results indicate that fin clips should be used for collection of genetic samples from fry.

McCarrick, Darcy K.↗

DOE OSTI2024

Coherent homodyne detection for amplified cross-beam electric-field induced second harmonic

The electric-field induced second harmonic (E-FISH) signal sensing is commonly used as a nonlinear optical technique to probe electric fields inside a plasma region. Cross-beam E-FISH is being investigated to improve spatial resolution by defining the interaction volume via a controlled geometry of two overlapping noncolinear optical beams. This drastic reduction in interaction length of the electric field and laser region results in a significant signal reduction. Here, to overcome this signal reduction, we introduce coherent amplification of the cross-beam E-FISH signal by mixing the low E-FISH signal with a phase-locked bright local oscillator. We demonstrate enhancement of the signal. By introducing a local oscillator we can now derive the polarity of the measured electric field through the phase of the homodyne signal. To illustrate the technique, we, for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, measure the magnitude and the direction of the electric field in a cold atmospheric pressure plasma jet, which dynamically follows the profile of the applied bias current.

42 ENGINEERING↗

DOE OSTI2022

Restoration Hydro: A Watershed Approach to Standard Modular New Hydropower

The objectives of FOA DE- FOA-0001836- “Standard Modular Hydropower” included designing a standardized, modular, and environmentally compatible hydropower schematic for implementation in greenfield sites that generate up to 10 MW of capacity. Utilizing funds competitively awarded under DOE’s Water Power Technologies Office, the Natel Energy team developed a concept for modular new stream reach (NSR) hydropower that incorporates multi species upstream and downstream fish passage, improved river channel connectivity, and recreational modules. The in-stream design of the collective modules minimized site specific design and maximized the opportunities for modularity. Financial data was also presented using actual costs from regional suppliers, with figures provided in 2022 dollars. While the project team did not address potential permitting process improvements, the site selection criteria did consider established barriers to hydropower development such as tribal and preserved lands, interconnection proximity, and endangered species to exclude or deprioritize. The project’s design schematic met the objectives of the FOA, and presented a unique solution that targets alluvial pockets as natural features for sustainable development. Natel’s concept also incorporated the company's fish-safe Restoration Hydro Turbine for safe downstream passage, while featuring a rock arch that integrates fish passage, water, recreation, and grade control modules (including sediment). Alignment with the Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) “Innovative Design Concepts for Standard Modular Hydropower and Pumped-Storage Hydropower” Program: According to the Hydropower Vision (DOE, 2016), approximately 16 GW of hydropower growth is possible with the development of technology solutions that balance efficiency, economics, and environmental sustainability. The desired outcome of the SMH program is transformational innovation specifically in the site identification, conceptual, and detailed design phases of technology development lifecycles (DOE, 2018). In developing the SMH design schematic, the team aimed to address the opportunities outlined in the Vision through an inverted design philosophy; rather than singularly prioritizing efficiency and power production, the team focused on integrating hydropower with restoration of degraded streams to optimal ecosystem function and provision of exceptional recreation value as design criteria. To achieve this, Restoration Hydro incorporates the principles of nature-based engineering (WWAP, 2018) and biomimicry (Biomimicry NL.) to strategically deploy complementary combinations of permanent, semi-permanent, and ephemeral low-head structures - such as natural and engineered log jams - that harness geomorphological and hydrological processes at the landscape-scale. Primary applications of Restoration Hydro include: 1) restoration of degraded watersheds’ natural ecological function and enhancement of hydrological connectivity; and 2) creation of associated co-benefits to hydro production, including increased groundwater recharge, improved sediment transport and management, improved water security and water quality. Restoration Hydro projects build upon proven watershed restoration engineering techniques by integrating hydropower turbines into low-head structures using innovative and evolving civil works concepts that facilitate fish and sediment passage, and in some cases create additional revenue-generating recreational opportunities. Powering low-head structures creates a directly monetizable layer of economic value in the form of flexible, reliable, renewable energy on top of the already high-value water, environmental and recreational benefits of watershed and river restoration. The approach aims to create a virtuous, self-reinforcing cycle whereby Restoration Hydro projects support the scaling of ecosystem restoration activities, creating a water-energy-carbon multiplier effect that, through the principles of adaptive change management: 1) improves the resilience of landscapes and downstream population centers for changing hydrological cycles; 2) creates a reliable energy resource that facilitates the integration of intermittent renewable power sources into grids; and 3) supports climate change mitigation through grid decarbonization and enhanced ecosystem carbon capture and retention.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2025

East Tennessee Technology Park Biological Monitoring and Abatement Program 2024 Calendar Year Report

The East Tennessee Technology Park (ETTP) Biological Monitoring and Abatement Program (BMAP) consists of three tasks that reflect different but complementary approaches to evaluating the ecological integrity of waters near ETTP. These tasks include (1) bioaccumulation monitoring of fish and clams, (2) benthic macroinvertebrate species richness and density monitoring, and (3) fish community monitoring. The sampling and analysis requirements for the ETTP BMAP in calendar year 2024, covering in part both FY 2024 and FY 2025, are outlined in the respective FY sampling and analysis plans (UCOR 2023, 2024). Sampled water bodies and locations for the ETTP BMAP are shown in Figures 1 and 2. This ETTP BMAP report presents the CY 2024 results and provides context with results from previous years. The report also includes Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)–generated biological monitoring data collected for other US Department of Energy programs, including the UCOR Water Resources Restoration Program (WRRP) off-site fish bioaccumulation data (UCOR 2023) and select Y-12 National Security Complex (Y-12) BMAP fish bioaccumulation data. Historical data collected for the ETTP BMAP and other programs in the nearby Poplar Creek and Clinch River are provided where appropriate. This progress report provides an update on the biological monitoring activities supporting the ETTP UCOR Environmental Compliance organization, which sponsors the ETTP BMAP. In addition to this internal reporting, ETTP BMAP results are provided in the annual remediation effectiveness reports and the annual site environmental reports, both of which are publicly available. BMAP data are also available to the public via the Oak Ridge Environmental Information System (https://ucor.com/oak-ridge-environmental-information-system-oreis/).

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2024

Mercury trophic transfer in Bear Creek

Mercury (especially when transformed by environmental microbes into methylmercury [MeHg]) is one of the only metals known to biomagnify in aquatic food webs, leading to elevated concentrations of this toxicant in fish. However, because Hg is predominantly accumulated in fish via dietary rather than aqueous exposure, the link between aqueous Hg concentrations and concentrations in fish is not always straightforward. This is particularly confounding for remediation efforts at contaminated sites because although reducing aqueous Hg concentrations may be achievable, concentrations in fish may not respond to these reductions in aqueous concentrations if a sufficient amount of Hg remains within the food web or if conditions favor Hg methylation in the environment.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2024

Mercury Trophic Transfer in Bear Creek

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2025

Bonneville Dam Powerhouse 2 Gatewell Improvement Post Construction Evaluation (Final Report)

Modifications to vertical barrier screens (VBS) and the addition of concrete corbels to improve passage conditions for juvenile salmonids in the gatewells of Bonneville Dam’s second powerhouse (B2) were completed prior to the 2024 passage season. To evaluate the effectiveness of those modifications, PNNL carried out a post construction evaluation to contrast fish condition and mortality between two turbine unit operational ranges within the peak efficiency range. A block-treatment study design was implemented in 2024 to contrast descaling and mortality of juvenile salmonids sampled in the juvenile fish facility following exposure to turbine operations (middle versus upper 1% peak efficiency range) during spring and summer passage periods. In spring, 1.96% of juvenile salmonids sampled during mid-1% operations were descaled and 0.46% were mortalities. Of those sampled during upper 1% unit operations in spring, 2.90% were descaled and 0.95% were mortalities. Although these differences appeared to be meaningful, substantial exceedances of the upper 1% limit occurred during two treatment blocks of the spring study period. Fish collected during the upper 1% treatment of these two blocks experienced substantially higher rates of descaling and mortality compared to those collected during mid-1% treatments. Censoring these two upper 1% samples from the spring study period resulted in upper 1% descaling and mortality rates that were statistically similar to those from the mid-1% treatment. During the summer study period, 0.99% of juveniles sampled during mid-1% operations were descaled and 0.33% suffered mortality; these rates were significantly lower than the descaling (2.80%) and mortality (1.73%) rates observed during upper 1% treatments. Comparing the results from the 2024 study to those from the historical (2008–2013) baseline of unmodified units revealed that the descaling and mortality rates observed during upper 1% operations in spring 2024 were near the upper end of the historic range observed for mid-1% operations. Spring 2024 upper 1% descaling and mortality rates were below, or well below the median of historical mid and upper 1% (combined) rates, which suggests that the modifications have had a positive effect. Summer 2024 upper 1% descaling and mortality rates were at or above the top of the range of historical mid 1% and above or well above the median of historical mid and upper 1% (combined) rates. It is important to keep in mind that 2024 is a single year when considering these comparisons. Additional study could help confirm these results or seek a level of operation that achieves the desired outcomes for fish.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2020

Gambusia holbrooki Survive Shear Stress, Pressurization and Avoid Blade Strike in a Simulated Pumped Hydroelectric Scheme

Pumped hydroelectric energy storage (PHES) projects are being considered worldwide as a means of achieving political renewable energy targets in a way that stabilises baseload energy supply from often intermittent renewable energy sources. Unlike a conventional hydroelectric system that only pass water in a downstream direction, a feature of PHES is that it relies on the bi-directional flow of water. In some cases this flow can be across different waterbodies or catchments, posing a risk of inadvertently expanding the range of aquatic animals like fish. The risk of this happening depends on the likelihood of survival of individuals, which remains poorly understood for turbines that are pumping rather than generating. This study quantified the survival of a globally widespread and invasive poeciliid fish, Eastern gambusia (Gambusia holbrooki) when exposed hydraulic stresses characteristic of what would be experienced through a PHES during the pumping phase. A shear flume and hyperbaric chamber were used to expose fish to different strain rates and rapid and sustained pressurisation. A blade strike model was also used to predict survival of fish passing through a Francis dual turbine / pump. The ranges simulated were based on design and operational conditions provided for a PHES scheme being proposed in south-eastern Australia. All gambusia tested survived extremely high (up to 7600 kPa gauge pressure) pressurisation, high levels of shear stress (up to 1853 s -1 ), and the majority (> 93 %) were unlikely to be struck by a turbine blade. Given their tolerance to these extreme simulated stresses, we conclude that gambusia will likely survive passage through a PHES scheme. Therefore, where a new PHES poses the risk of inadvertently expanding the range of gambusia or similar poeciliid species, measures to minimise their spread or mitigate their ecosystem impacts should be considered.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗